In his column posted early this week, Smith says McDonald’s McDouble — billed on the McDonald’s website as: “Two 100% beef patties simply seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, a slice of melty American cheese and topped with tangy pickles, minced onions, ketchup and mustard” the “cheapest, most nutritious and bountiful food that has ever existed in human history.”

Over the past few years, we’ve seen the economy collapse and struggle to regain its footing.

Many, including myself, have been out of work.

Even as the economy has improved, many are still struggling. Many are still out of work.

Lots of those that are working are living paycheck-to-paycheck.

And many folks simply don’t make eating healthfully a priority.

I, myself don’t have a lot of extra funds laying around — but I find I am blessed to have enough money to pay my bills and buy groceries so that I am able to eat homemade meals every day.

Do I eat expensive, organic food with every meal? No.

Do I wish I could afford to? Yes.

Do I eat the highest-quality grass-fed/pastured meat and wild-caught seafood with every meal? No.

Do I wish I could afford to? Yes.

However, I am blessed that I am able to head down the street to the grocery store and pick up healthy ingredients to make healthy meals at home — even if they are not “the best.”

Some people don’t even have THAT luxury!

For example…

In one neighborhood within the city in which I live, residents were thrilled to learn a grocery store was moving in. Neighbors in the area were stoked that they’d be able to walk down the street and pick up fresh produce, and actual THINGS with which to make FOOD. This, in an area with fast food restaurants serving as a primary food source — something I think most of us take forgranted!

I mean, grocery shopping is something a lot of us dread!

Later, it was learned that because the grocery store was unable to obtain a liquor license, the grocery store would be no more, and instead, a Family Dollar store would be moving in to the new facility instead.

Neighbors were outraged — some of them saying Family Dollar offers nothing healthy for folks in this community. And no real options in terms of fresh groceries.

Many of these folks don’t have access to transportation, and hopping on a public bus to head across town to grab groceries is too much of a hassle, especially for those with families — though it is available.

For some of these folks, it’s such a dire situation that they either eat fast food, packaged, processed and unhealthy food (if they can afford it)… or go hungry.

When I think about this neighborhood (and all the others around the world), I am happy for all I have — especially for being one of those who was down and out due to the economy less than five years ago. I have two grocery stores right down the street that offer healthy options — and others that I can drive to.

I think about how blessed I am to be able to afford my weekly grocery trip.

I think about how blessed I am that I consider eating healthfully to be a priority — and that I take the time and make the effort to prepare healthy meals for myself.

The bottom line is, you CAN eat healthy on a budget, but it is not easy or convenient.

Every week, I’m planning a new menu for the upcoming week and weekend.

Then, there’s grocery shopping and budgeting for grocery shopping.

And then, of course, there’s preparing and cooking the meal(s).

Even just considering what I will eat this weekend or next week takes more time sometimes than ordering that McDouble!

And yes, my meals might cost more than $1, but to me, it’s worth it because I know I am able to enjoy a meal I took the time to plan out and prepare.

Those thinking about a healthy-eating lifestyle need to know you don’t have to spend $50 for every meal! And, if you plan — you can do one cookup and have meals for the week, with no waste!

Think about it — if you are going to spend your hard-earned money on something — wouldn’t you rather it be something you’ll thoroughly enjoy in the short and long-term?

Instead of spending that $1 on a McDouble and wolfing it down in the car, how about spending $10 to prepare a homemade meal, that you can eat sitting down at the dinner table with a glass of wine?!

Yes, that chemical-laden McDonald’s cheeseburger might taste good and be fast and convenient, but you’ll pay your doctor later for the choices you make now.